Intracept® Procedure
(Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)
The Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve chronic low back pain that comes from inside the vertebrae themselves. This type of pain is known as vertebrogenic low back pain and is caused by irritation of a specific nerve inside the spine called the basivertebral nerve.
Unlike muscle pain, disc pain, or joint pain, vertebrogenic pain originates from changes within the vertebral bone. The Intracept® procedure works by ablating (burning) the basivertebral nerve, which stops pain signals from traveling from the spine to the brain.
The Intracept® system is developed by Boston Scientific and is supported by strong clinical research showing long-term pain relief and improved function.
Understanding Vertebrogenic Low Back Pain
Not all low back pain is the same. Some patients have chronic low back pain that:
- Has lasted six months or longer
- Does not improve with injections, therapy, or medications
- Worsens with sitting, bending, or activity
- Shows specific changes on MRI called Modic type 1 or type 2 changes
These Modic changes indicate inflammation and degeneration within the vertebral endplates and are a key sign that the basivertebral nerve may be the source of pain.
A Proven Alternative When Other Treatments Fail
Many patients with vertebrogenic low back pain have already tried:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet joint injections or ablations
- Medications
When these treatments fail to provide lasting relief, the Intracept® procedure offers a targeted, evidence-based solution that addresses the true pain source rather than masking symptoms.
Strong Clinical Evidence
The Intracept® procedure is supported by high-quality clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, demonstrating:
- Significant and durable reduction in low back pain
- Improved function and quality of life
- Long-term relief lasting years for many patients
This level of evidence sets the Intracept® procedure apart from many other spine treatments.
Minimal Recovery, Long-Term Relief
Because the Intracept® procedure is minimally invasive:
- Incisions are small
- Tissue disruption is minimal
- Most patients go home the same day
- Recovery time is short
Pain relief is not immediate for every patient, but many experience gradual and meaningful improvement over weeks to months, with benefits that can be long-lasting.
Step By Step Procedure
Experience and Expertise Matter
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, we are recognized as a Boston Scientific Center of Excellence for the Intracept® procedure. This designation reflects:
- High procedural volume
- Consistently strong patient outcomes
- Advanced physician expertise
- Commitment to evidence-based spine care
Our physicians have performed a large number of Intracept® procedures with excellent results and have extensive experience identifying the right patients for this treatment.
Who May Be a Candidate for the Intracept® Procedure?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Chronic low back pain lasting 6 months or longer
- MRI evidence of Modic type 1 or type 2 changes
- Pain that has not improved with conservative care
- A desire to avoid major spine surgery
A detailed evaluation and imaging review are essential to determine candidacy.
Why Choose the Intracept® Procedure at Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin?
- Targets a specific, proven source of chronic low back pain
- Backed by strong clinical research
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- No implants or hardware
- Performed using Boston Scientific technology
- Center of Excellence with extensive experience
Is the Intracept® Procedure Right for You?
If chronic low back pain continues to limit your life despite injections, therapy, or medications—and imaging shows vertebrogenic changes—the Intracept® procedure may offer lasting relief. During your consultation, we will review your MRI, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether this targeted treatment is appropriate for you.
When chronic low back pain comes from within the spine, the Intracept® procedure offers a precise, proven path forward—guided by experience and evidence.